Hyundai and Kia Achieve Record Hybrid Sales in U.S. Market in May

Hyundai Motor and Kia achieved their highest-ever monthly sales of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) in the U.S. market in May.

Hyundai Motor America announced on June 2 that it sold a total of 87,468 vehicles in May, marking a 3% increase compared to the same month last year.

Notably, HEV sales surged by 90% year-over-year, reaching a record high. Sales of specific models included a 10% increase for the Tucson, 30% for the Santa Fe, 29% for the Elantra, and a remarkable 250% increase for the Sonata, all contributing significantly to overall performance.

Electric vehicle sales also rose by 10%, setting a new record for May. The Ioniq 5 saw an increase from 3,898 units to 5,002 units, a 28% rise, achieving its highest May sales ever. The Tucson and Palisade also reached their highest sales records for May.

Randy Parker, CEO of Hyundai Motor North America, stated, "In May, we saw growth across nearly all models in our lineup, including sedans and SUVs, featuring hybrid and electric vehicles. The visibility gained from our sponsorship of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has positioned us favorably for sustained growth throughout the summer."

Kia America also reported that its retail sales in May surpassed the previous record set in August 2025. Total sales reached 80,502 units, a 2% increase from 79,007 units in the same month last year. Cumulative sales for May also hit a record of 360,220 units, up 2% from the same period last year.

The hybrid models experienced a dramatic growth of 179%. All models saw significant increases, with the Sportage up 171%, the Sorento up 101%, and the Carnival up 32%, achieving record sales for May. The Carnival also reached its highest monthly sales ever.

Eric Watson, Vice President of Sales at Kia America, emphasized, "Despite ongoing shifts in consumer preferences, Kia continues to break retail sales and monthly cumulative sales records thanks to our diverse lineup that includes internal combustion, hybrid, and electrified models. We expect this upward trend to continue into the second half of the year, even amid recent economic challenges."

Meanwhile, Hyundai and Kia are maintaining their sales growth in the U.S. market with a focus on HEV-centered eco-friendly vehicle strategies. The ongoing trend of high fuel prices has increased consumer preference for fuel-efficient HEVs.